FRIDAY 13 (07.07)

Yesterday I went for (a) beer with the photographer Xavier Voirol (www.xaviervoirol.ch). We are part of the same agency, Strates, but we never really met. He spent 6 months in Berlin thanks to an Atelier program for artists and cultural critics. During this 6 months he worked on three (mainly two) projects. It really made me think. He is about 40 years old, 20 years as a photographer. Totally self-motivated, determinated and disciplined. All qualities that I miss so much! He told never touching his computer without getting shaved and clean before. You should see me right now! This guy walks around the whole day long shooting! Wow.Then I received a mail from a young guy I met last summer. He wanted to become a photograper instead of the architect he was and asked ME how to make it . Well he is writing me that it is still hard in the beginning but he is making a living out of his stuff... The impression I have is that he is doing betther than me. I need to build up my WILL to do, right here, right now. So my dear readers: I got to go... taking a shower and finish editing the teddys! bye

Today, Friday 13th, I went to a photography store with all my stuff. I was looking at my “old friend Canonino”, who was with me in Switzerland, Pakistan, England or USA,and I was wondering if it’s gonna be hard to say him adios. So many small adventures, moments of disappointment..and happiness! So, I put everything on the table. All my lenses, my flashes, my tripod… Waiting for the miracle, when the man will give me so much money to buy my photography stuff. Well, He gave me less than expected, obviously, but I wasn’t disappointed. I was almost happy.

When I went out the shop, I didn’t felt sad, actually, I felt free. I understood that photography was a nice girl-friend, but hard to satisfy. Now, I won’t hide my face and my feelings behind the camera. I will give my eyes a rest, another way to watch the world, the people. I have no regrets, maybe I had loved to be a great photographer, but it’s not so important finally, I guess. I found what I was looking for, perhaps…héhé.

Sometimes, you Reto told me, “I don’t know to do nothing but photography”. It’s beautiful to see a person fight for his dream. I’ll admire that all my life. And you, you cry, you laugh, you scream, you want to throw your camera against the walls, you sing, but you never give up, you always are looking in front of you, with hope and courage.Viva tomorrow and good luck man, I believe in You, go take your shower. (and me, now, I’ll drink my first beer of non-photographer!). Thierry